October 19, 2021

[GIST] The Buni Scandal And Buhari’s War Against Corruption, By Dahiru Hassan Kera

[GIST] The Buni Scandal And Buhari’s War Against Corruption, By Dahiru Hassan Kera

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Certainly, anyone enmeshed in such a scandal should not be anywhere near his party's affairs let alone presiding over it as the chairman.

 

Looking at the number of times he tried to become a democratically elected President of Nigeria and his subsequent abysmal failures, it’s evident that what gave President Muhammadu Buhari the edge over others who contested against him in 2015, particularly, the then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was his cult-like followership and consistent promise of fighting corruption if voted into power. It’s, therefore, disheartening that all these have become empty talk and consequently the bane of Nigeria’s social, political and economic development.

Prior to the 2015 general elections, Nigerians, cutting across class and creed, including some officials of the then PDP government, were full of optimism that Buhari would, if voted into power, stem the tide of corruption and all forms of illicit financial engagements identified as the cancer that has been eating deep into the garment of the country’s aspirations. Luckily for him, he rode on that optimism to win the hearts of Nigerians and subsequently won the presidential election.

 

Perhaps, the cliché that further strengthened the expectations of the larger segment of Nigerians was the iconic line in his inaugural speech where he declared that ‘I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody’. At that point, it appeared as though this line was a justification for the eventual emergence of Buhari. It gave people the fickle hope that he was going to be persistent and impartial in his drive to fight the monster of corruption.

 

Unfortunately, it didn’t take too long into the journey, for Nigerians to realise that they may have backed the wrong horse as Buhari’s entire anti-corruption crusade got draped in the toga of myth and mirage.

 

Nigerians soon realised that the expected anti-corruption czar was in reality an illusionist who was soon to be whitewashed with several unfolding cases of corruption, even more pungent than it was ever seen under the embattled former head of the anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu. Other similar, yet glaring cases soon followed exposing the rot of corruption in the Buhari government.

 

They say corruption has too many faces. This is true of the Buhari administration as even the choices that the president and his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, have made and are still making are somewhat laced with corruption. For instance, it beats sane imagination why a serving governor will be appointed to head a political party. Well, that’s happening in Buhari’s Nigeria. 

 

I can contend that if there’s any person in government who is doing more harm than good to the Buhari administration in the eyes of the public, it is the Yobe State Governor, Mai-Mala Buni, who’s also the Caretaker Chairman of the APC. But like a horse destined for death, the president and his party have been deafened to the reality unfolding right in front of them.

 

Although, it’s never my intention to use this article to dwell much on the implications and ripple effect of the "visiting" governor of Yobe state's usurpation of the affairs of APC, but his link with corruption and explicit obsession with those whose images have been dented for dipping their hands into our shared patrimony is becoming too smelly even for APC apologists. Simply put, Buni's targeting of tainted members of other parties, like former minister of aviation in the PDP regime, Femi Fani-Kayode, and Sen. Stella Odua, whose name was mentioned in the recently released Pandora Papers is indicative of birds of a feather flocking together.

 

Recently, an online media, Sahara Reporters, published a damning investigative report alleging Governor Buni had violated the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) law. Using documents gleaned from the CCB and other sources including the oresidency to prove its allegation, Sahara Reporters said he was involved in what it referred to as “anticipatory declaration”, a criminal offence under the CCB law.

 

But for the immunity afforded him by the constitution, someone with that kind of serious baggage of corruption allegation should not be going about a free man. It becomes even unfathomable when one considers that this is happening in a government that claims to be fighting corruption.

 

Certainly, anyone enmeshed in such a scandal should not be anywhere near his party’s affairs let alone presiding over it as the chairman. Unfortunately, Buhari’s corruption crusade does not include holding people, especially his allies, accountable for engaging in corrupt practices. This is why Buni continues to parade himself as the APC national chairman. Sad! 

 

But that’s not even the worse of it. In a bid to know and expose the truth, my curiousity compelled me to conduct a background check on Buni. It revealed that he’s neither from a rich family nor was he ever a successful businessman. So, if Buni neither inherited huge wealth nor was he ever a successful businessman, how, in the world, did he acquire the wealth he’s flaunting? How did he accumulate the assets he declared? Your guess is good as mine.

 

However, while I leave you to ponder, let me lay down some facts for you. First, Buni was a ward councillor, a special assistant to the former governor of Yobe state, Ibrahim Gaidam from where he became APC national secretary in 2014. Six years after in 2019, he became the governor of Yobe state. Yet, he declared huge assets including houses, choice plots of land, filling stations, farm lands, exotic cars, huge amounts of cash in banks that are clearly way more than he could have earned in his previous employments. Yet it didn’t raise any eyebrow! This can only happen in Nigeria and, sadly, under the watch of President Buhari, the self-acclaimed Mr Integrity.

 

The revelation by Sahara Reporters is too weighty to ignore or swept under the carpet. No individual should be bigger than his nation and the extant laws of the land. Just like former Senate President Bukola Saraki was subjected to scrutiny by the CCB, Buni must be thoroughly investigated and if found wanting be appropriately sanctioned. Buni’s case should not be like that of the APC leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was also fingered in a case of false asset declaration but the matter just fizzled into thin air. If this circle of high level cover up is allowed to fester, posterity will not forgive President Buhari and the reputation of the CCB will forever hang in thebalance.

 

Finally, while Nigerians await the government's actions on the matter, let me invite you to watch out for my next article where I will provide an extensive analysis on Buni’s Cash and Assets as declared in his 27-page CCB asset declaration form; Buni’s educational qualifications and why he is going around cajoling and arm-twisting those facing corruption charges to join APC and possibly have their allegations quashed. Needless to say this has been compounding the existing problems of the party, especially since it has failed to properly work out a reconciliatory framework. I will also x-ray how Buni has left Yobe state in the lurch. In spite of the glaring and enormous security challenges in his state, he is always gallivanting other states and Abuja, which has become his center of operation.

 

See you!

 

Kera, a journalist, writes from Kaduna.

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[GIST] Nigerian Bar Association Plans Event Close To Lagos Tollgate To Sabotage #EndSARS Memorial Protest

[GIST] Nigerian Bar Association Plans Event Close To Lagos Tollgate To Sabotage #EndSARS Memorial Protest

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch has scheduled a programme with stakeholders on Wednesday, October 20 to sabotage the first memorial of the 2020 #EndSARS protest, SaharaReporters learnt. 

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that plans for the #EndSARS memorial service were in top gear across the country and even overseas. 

From fliers that have now gone viral on social media, SaharaReporters observed that youths in states such as Lagos, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Kwara, Oyo, Ondo, Plateau, and Rivers have been gearing up for the protests on Wednesday, October 20.

Also abroad, youths are being mobilised for protests in the United Kingdom and Canada. 
See Also #EndSARS Plans For #EndSARS Memorial Protests Gain Momentum In Oyo, Adamawa, Rivers, UK, Canada, Others As Organisers Release Details 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

Meanwhile, the programme by the NBA has been fixed to coincide with the planned commemoration of #EndSARS protest, to sabotage it.  

In a special invite obtained by SaharaReporters, the programme is set to hold at the Nigerian Law School on Victoria Island from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm on the said date. 

The theme of the programme is: 'A Frantic Call For Institutional Reforms And Respect For Human Rights'.

Meanwhile, the special guest of honour at the event is the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while Olasupo Shasore, a former Attorney-General of the state, is the lead guest speaker. 

Also, Segun Awosanya, human rights activist will speak at the event. Ridwan Olayemi Oke, lawyer & human rights activist is also a guest speaker. 

Timothy Asobele Dare, a lawyer cum human rights & mental health advocate is also expected to speak at the event. 

They will discuss the topic: Developing A Workable Framework For Building Respectable Relations Between The Nigerian Community, The Bar And The Nigeria Police.

In October 2020, Nigerians across the country stormed the streets to demonstrate against police brutality and bad governance under the #EndSARS campaign.

However, on October 20, soldiers from the Bonny Camp, 81 division, invaded the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos, where some demonstrators had gathered. 

They fired gunshots, killing an unspecified number of protesters. 

Though the right to peaceful assembly and the right to protest are constitutional rights of Nigerians, the police have continued to clamp down on peaceful protesters.

Just recently, Nigeria police opened fire on members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) during a peaceful procession in Abuja. 

Also, during a peaceful protest on Nigeria's independence day, men of the Nigeria Police Force fired tear gas canisters at protesters in Abuja. 

The peaceful protesters could be seen chanting and displaying banners and placards saying 'Buhari Must Go'. 

Six of them were arrested by the police, brutalised and detained for demanding the resignation of Buhari. 

They were later released. 

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[GIST] Operatives Of South-East Outfit, Ebubeagu Kill Five Persons In Ebonyi During Altercation

[GIST] Operatives Of South-East Outfit, Ebubeagu Kill Five Persons In Ebonyi During Altercation

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Operatives of South-East outfit, Ebubeagu, in Amasiri, in the Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have shot dead no fewer than five youths while many others sustained injuries.

Some of the injured persons were alleged to have been taken to the state capital, Abakaliki by security operatives from a hospital in Afikpo, where they are said to be receiving treatment, Vanguard reports. 

Witnesses said the Ebubeagu operatives arrived in five Toyota Sienna vehicles in Amaebor, Ohaechara village square in Amasiri, and opened fire on the youth over the alleged sealing of a Lebanese-owned quarry company, Conrock.

One of the survivors, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained the operatives arrived after the youths gathered to share a monetary gift from the management of Conrock for unsealing the company.

The source added that the youths were also deliberating on how to honour invitations hitherto sent to them by the Afikpo Divisional Police Command and the Area Command.

“We were expected to appear before the Area Command and the division on Monday (yesterday) and Tuesday (today) before Ebubeagu people came and started shooting at us for engaging them in an argument.

“We told them we had reached an agreement with the company and that we had unsealed the company.

“Their management even gave something in appreciation for our peaceful conduct. So we are at a loss as to why Ebubeagu people came to shoot some of us.

“One of those shot died on the way to the hospital while two others died while receiving treatment.”

Another source added that one other youth died Saturday morning from wounds he sustained from gunshots.

He said that “Some of those injured were taken away by security men from the hospital where they were being attended to, to Abakaliki the following day (Sunday).”

The source explained that the youths accused the management of foot-dragging on the rehabilitation of a four-kilometre road in Amaebor and the naming of their Community Liaison Officer, CLO which led to the sealing of the company. 

“We know that the Ebubeagu operatives were invited by the said political officers because they wanted the CLO to be appointed from another village in Ohaechara instead of Amaebor that the post is zoned to,” the source added.

Meanwhile, the Consultant to the State Government on Security and Chairman of APC, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, alleged that the death of the youth was caused by the shootout between the local Ebubeagu operatives and the youths of the community.

“Ebubeagu went to the area to know what the problem was. The youths there stopped the quarry from operating. The Council Chairman went there to beg but they refused all her pleadings.

“When Ebubeagu went there, the youths opened fire on them. It was their leader’s bullet that killed one of them. After he killed him, he took him to the mortuary and thereafter he disappeared but he has been arrested by security agencies.”

On her part, the Police Public Relations Officer, Loveth Odah, said she didn’t have details of the incident.

“I spoke to the DPO and he said the matter was reported to Headquarters but I am yet to get the person investigating the matter since it happened weekend,” she said.

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[GIST] BREAKING: Gunmen Kill Three Traditional Rulers During Meeting In Imo

[GIST] BREAKING: Gunmen Kill Three Traditional Rulers During Meeting In Imo

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Unknown gunmen have killed three traditional rulers at Nnenasa community, headquarters of Njaba local government area of Imo State.
 
A report by Leadership said five traditional rulers were killed while an official report said three were killed.

SaharaReporters Media
The traditional rulers from the area, numbering about 20 were in a meeting at the local government headquarters in the community when gunmen invaded the venue, interrupted the meeting with sporadic gunshots and killed at least five traditional rulers on the spot.
 
Those who sustained gunshot injuries have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mike Abatam, confirmed the attack, saying only three traditional rulers died.

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[GIST] The Biafra Phenomenon And Why It Captures The Ignorant By Ndidi Uwechue

[GIST] The Biafra Phenomenon And Why It Captures The Ignorant By Ndidi Uwechue

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Let me start by saying that everyone can be called “ignorant” under the right conditions. For example, I know nothing about weaving wool so if told to sit in front of a loom and ordered to get on with it and make a rug, I would not have any idea what to do. Similarly, if made to sit in the cockpit of a plane and told to fly it, I would not be able to. In both these scenarios, I would be “ignorant” of the task I was told to do. However, being a bit intelligent, I would seek advice and training from experts, then decide whether to give up the challenge, or do the required training. 

 

Now holding that thought about what being “ignorant” means, let us examine what I call the “Biafra Phenomenon”. There are several groups most especially among the Igbo people, that attach the word “Biafra” to themselves taken from the horrific civil war of last century. The word “Biafra” was then laid to rest, but brought back to life nearly thirty years later, in 1999 and it gathered a following. 

 

To ordinary people captured by the word “Biafra”, it symbolises freedom and an ideal country. Nevertheless, none of them have sat down to define it, or give it detail. It is simply the cry of a deep longing for freedom – and it is a VALID cry! However, it reveals their “ignorance” because those still crying “Biafra” are those who have not done their research. Those among them who did do some reading found that “Biafra” cannot bring the freedom they seek, so abandoned the word, and have gone for another word: “self-determination”, because they learned from their research what works. They moved from being ignorant, to being informed.

Ndidi Uwechue

Those who continue being under the spell of the word “Biafra” remain ignorant but with an additional adjective, ARROGANT. They are “arrogantly ignorant”. It is quite easy to come to that conclusion by their manner of seeing this issue. For instance, Igbo is the name of a people and an ethnic nation, handed down over the centuries. In their arrogant ignorance, those captured by “Biafra” with no authority whatsoever shout loudly that Igbos are “Biafrans” and that Igbo land is “Biafra land”. In their arrogance, they somehow seem to believe that if they use social media and media to pour forth the words: “Biafra”, “Biafran” and “Biafra land”, that by magic Igbo Nation will surrender to those words? This Biafra Phenomenon needs to know certain facts that may cure the arrogant ignorance out of many of them. It is these:

 

1. If Igbos want to change their ethnic name to “Biafran” (or to anything else), it will be done in a PROPER way, using intelligence and democratic processes. Firstly, Igbos would have to agree that there is something wrong or bad with the word “Igbo”. When that consensus is reached, then all those with replacement names would come forward explaining why the word they propose is the best one. Igbos would then vote on it. Once a new name for Igbos has been democratically obtained, it would be officially communicated to the global community. 

 

2. The word “Biafra” is a non-starter when it comes to obtaining self-determination. “Biafra” will NOT WORK and the reasons can be found in several United Nations or International Law documents such as the “Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States”. The word “Biafra” does not meet their four requirements. There is NO DEFINED TERRITORY for “Biafra” as it means different things to different peoples. Therefore, who make up the “permanent population”? This rules out having “government” (in an acceptable sense). That also means it cannot meet the requirement of “capacity to enter into relations with other states”. 

The “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” (UNDRIP) is another document that shows that using the word “Biafra” when seeking self-determination is futile, and hopeless.

 

What is certain though is that the leaders of the “Biafra” groups know that they cannot bring freedom to their followers using the word “Biafra”. It is all pure deceit. They seek unmerited power and relevance, together with the money that those captured by “Biafra” can be manipulated to give them. The same goes for journalists and influencers who promote material linking “Biafra” with obtaining freedom. They too seek cheap popularity, and are not concerned to use their positions to spread facts and truth.

 

What leaders of the “Biafra” groups fear the most is being asked to SHOW EVIDENCE for the freedom work they claim to have done. Ask them for their Strategy and the logic behind it (to prevent them copying the material of others). Ask them for the names of the foreign government officials or United Nations diplomats they claim to have had meetings with. These conmen “Biafra” leaders will evade every request for evidence of their claims. Instead, they will talk about how “Fulani herdsmen are killing us” or how they are a “security outfit”. Essentially, they will try to hide their “Biafra” scamming by pretending to be addressing some existing problems in the community. Alarmingly the “Biafra restoration” group IPOB, in actual fact a street gang, has recently been condemned as a small terrorist group by a Professor and Executive Director of the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Baltimore. That is how dangerously far a “Biafra” scam can get to! 

 

The real Biafra of 1967 – 70 civil war is over. It had been promising and was the vehicle used at the time. This newer Biafra Phenomenon is a rogue one, unable to bring self-determination, and that is ruining the positive feelings that old Biafra aroused. “Biafra” has now been bastardised.

 

It is difficult to reach the arrogantly ignorant, because often it is a waste of time – but it must still be done. The hope though,is that articles like this one would prevent more people fromjoining their ranks. Any Igbo person or group, or any indigenous persons from the Middle belt or South who is serious about self-determination should avoid the word “Biafra”, for the answer lies with the NINAS Movement that declared a Constitutional Force Majeure on 16th December 2020 to Decommission the imposed and illegitimate 1999 Constitution which hijacks the self-determination of indigenous ethnic nationalities.

 

Ndidi Uwechue is a British citizen with Igbo heritage from the Lower Niger Bloc. She is a retired Metropolitan (London) Police Officer, she is a signatory to the Constitutional Force Majeure, and she writes from Abuja.

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